Charles L. McCabe

Charles Landback McCabe, 77, Washington, passed away on July 12, 2025.

Charles, son of James Henry and Anna McCabe (nee Kutcher), was born June 1, 1948 in Perth Amboy, New Jersey. He received his elementary and secondary education in Woodbridge, New Jersey. His childhood was spent doting on his brother James McCabe, fishing and playing at the beach, spending time with his cousins, traveling across the country to numerous national parks, and working summers on a farm. At the age of 15, he met one of his oldest friends, Linda Donato (nee Caroscio), and would later go on to be best friends with her husband Harold Donato.

After being dropped off in Missouri with only $25 and a trunk of belongings, Charlie attended Missouri Valley College in Marshall, Missouri. He became a member of the TKE fraternity, ran the campus bowling alley, bookstore, and post office, dug graves, and worked various other side jobs to make ends meet. That work ethic would follow him throughout his life as he brought himself up from humble beginnings.

Charlie stated that attending Missouri Valley was the best thing that ever happened to him, since that is where he met his future wife, Judith Ann Kohler. They met while on a double date with other people, but quickly realized that they were better suited for each other. Judy sealed the deal when she threw a snowball at his car! They were engaged on the day of the moon landing in 1969, and united in marriage on June 25, 1971. Charlie’s parents died young, and Judy’s family in Kirkwood, Missouri became his own.

Upon moving to Washington, Missouri in the early 1970s, Charlie joined the Washington Fire Department. He was active with the Rescue Squad for 24 years, and then continued to volunteer part-time for another 25 years. The fire department was like a second family to Charlie, and many memories were made with the Halmichs, the Sullentrups, the Lampes, and so many others.

Charlie and Judy would go on to have two daughters, Jennifer and Sarah, and Charlie was a very hands-on father.  Some favorite memories include dancing in the family room to the albums of Paul Simon, Fleetwood Mac, and The Beatles, vacations, dance recitals, marching band trips, family dinners, working together in the garden, fishing trips, and many concerts.  He was also great at telling dad jokes and puns. The McCabe house was always full of smiles and laughter. Above all, Charlie’s greatest joy in life was his family.  

Charlie came from a long line of educators, and continued that tradition with his own career.  He first taught History in New Jersey and after moving to Missouri, at Washington High School. Later, he became Assistant Principal and Athletic Director at Sullivan High School and then Principal of Sullivan Middle School. He also taught both of his daughters the importance of education, and they have since followed in his footsteps. He retired in 1999.

Later in retirement, Charlie and Judy were blessed with two amazing grandchildren–Henry William and Samuel Charles Bouchard. Although it was an incredibly generous act, Charlie and Judy considered themselves lucky to be able to babysit the boys for the first ten years or so of their lives, and after that continued to be devoted to them–attending school events, Boy Scout activities, and baseball games.  They also planned “surprise days” to the zoo, museums, the Gateway Arch, Grant’s Farm, the Science Center, Eckert’s, and other fun places.  Henry and Sam brought happiness to Charlie every day, and Charlie’s impact on them is obvious in so many ways.

Throughout Charlie and Judy’s 54-year marriage, he proved to his family what a great marriage looks like. He was absolutely devoted to Judy, both in sickness and in health. They worked around the house together, filling hummingbird feeders, cooking, canning fruits and vegetables, and spending time outside. The two of them could often be spotted holding hands while shopping for groceries or running errands around town. These simple tasks would seem mundane to most people, but were always done with love in the McCabe household. While in hospice, Charlie was asked what he would like his legacy to be, and he responded with “My family.” We are honored to uphold his legacy.

Charlie’s daughters, Jennifer and Sarah, are so very grateful to have had him for their father. His love was unconditional and empowering. He raised them to be open-minded, tolerant, and kind to others. As proof, his cousin Bonnie McCabe recently said, “You girls were SO lucky to have been raised by a McCabe man. The McCabe men are so kind and respectful of women.” Anyone who knew Charlie can confirm this.

Charlie was preceded in death by his parents, his in-laws Richard and Jean Kohler, his brother James (Jim) McCabe, his sister-in-law Kathryn (Kathy) Heath, his friend Harold Donato, his cousin Alice Tulanowski, his friend and neighbor Russell Schelich, and other family members and friends.

Among his survivors are his wife, Judy McCabe; two children, Jennifer (James) Schwentker and Sarah (Brad) Bouchard; grandsons Henry and Samuel Bouchard; brother-in-law Richard Kohler; cousins Jon (Nicki) Wheeler and Henry Tulanowski; and cousins and friends in Illinios, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Indiana, Iowa, and Maine.

The family would like to encourage our family and friends to have their homes tested for radon gas. Charlie’s biopsy showed that his lung cancer was the type caused by exposure to radon. Kits can be purchased at most local hardware stores or ordered online. Radon gas is the leading cause of lung cancer in non-smokers.

A visitation will be held from 12-3 p.m., Sunday, August 10, 2025 at Nieburg-Vitt, Miller Funeral Home, with a service at 2 p.m. by the Washington Fire Department. 

Please make memorial donations to the Franklin County Humane Society, the Washington Fire Department, or St. Jude’s Memorial Research Hospital, all very important causes to Charlie. 

The McCabe family is being served by Nieburg-Vitt, Miller Funeral Home, Washington.

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